Businessweek Archives

Welfare Reform Must Include Child Support

July 10, 1994

Readers Report

WELFARE REFORM MUST INCLUDE CHILD SUPPORT

Your article "A four-step plan to reform welfare" (Editorials, June 13) was right on target in noting time limits, job training, day care, and state experimentation as critical elements. I would like to add one more--child support enforcement.

Whether married, divorced, or single, both parents have obligations for that child's support. Yet the gap between what noncustodial parents should pay and what they actually do pay has been estimated at $34 billion.

Ensuring that parents--both parents--assume responsibility for their children is a vital component of welfare reform. For this reason, I have introduced legislation that would strengthen collection efforts across state lines and improve procedures for establishing paternity. As we encourage people to move from welfare to work, let's ensure that their children benefit.